Be prepared for hurricane season with these affordable generators

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We are less than a week into hurricane season and if you want to get ahead of any potential storms, you need to plan now.

One way to prepare is to purchase a generator. You can spend several hundreds of dollars, even up to thousands, so here's what you should know if you want to buy a one.

There are two types of generators on the market, the most expensive, a stationary or a standby model.

But that major appliance comes with a big price tag. Expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 depending on wattage

Right now, at centerpointenergy.com you can save $1,500 from participating dealers and if you purchase a Kohler brand generator, you'll get a free 5-year extended warranty and a $50 rebate.

If you are in the market for a portable generator, the price is based on how much wattage you want.

Consumer Reports just tested 18 portable generator models.

The Kohler Pro 7.5E rated number one.

The Generac RS 7000E was also top rated and costs about $1000.

But a good value portable generator that rated well was Troy Bilt's XP 7000 model.

Whatever you choose to purchase, safety is always number one says CenterPoint Energy.

Officials say never ever operate that generator in an enclosed area, it uses gasoline and that means it emits carbon monoxide.